Maison Bengal was set-up in 2004 as a way of providing marginalised producers in Bangladesh, and particularly women, with a means for practical empowerment.
They work with NGOs and artisan cooperatives in Bangladesh to design, make and sell high quality home and gift accessories.
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Their trading philosophy is aimed at improving the lives of marginalised communities by developing a sustainable market for their products. Maison Bengal believes that a fair wage is only just the first step in fair trade. A long-term trading relationship is equally important to the producers, as is an understanding of the challenges they face in their daily life. In a country like Bangladesh, one needs to consider the implications of the monsoon, seasonal flooding and rice harvests.
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Some of the communities that Maison Bengal works with live in remote areas and are particularly marginalised. With no electricity, no running water, no road infrastructure and very limited healthcare they have little opportunity to get out of poverty.
They aim to help these communities by developing high-quality, desirable products with them, made of readily available natural materials which they can make at home in their villages.
They believe that fair trade can act as an important bridge between worlds, fostering a better understanding between both ends of the supply-chain, the customer and the producer.
Their products are all hand made and blend traditional artisanal skills with contemporary design.
They are ideal for the eco-conscious shopper, all products are made of a natural material such as jute, cane, grass, terracotta or leather. All dyes used are free of harmful chemicals. |
